Beat the Heat and Try Something Sweet at One of These 59 Ice Cream Shops in Illinois

A list of 59 must-try ice cream shops throughout the state.

Take a dip with the family at these 43 water parks and pools in Illinois

Cool off at these 43 water parks and pools this summer.

Maine Township to Host Family Friendly National Night Out

As one of the oldest celebrations of National Night Out in the area, Maine Township knows how to do it well. Check this out and join us.

FBI Looks for Young Victims in International Sexual Exploitation Case

VIDEO: A young woman shares her story of "sextortion" as a teen victim of Lucas Chansler. The FBI has released the screen names he used.

Skokie Man To Share $250K Lottery Prize With Family

Faouzi Ziane hit it big with a $1 ticket he bought at the Skokie Marathon last month.

St. John Brebeuf Offers Summer Music Camp for All Area Youth

In-between trips to the swimming pool and ice cream shop, how about learning to sing or play an instrument? Check this out.

25 Trips to Make with the Family this Summer

Sure, Chicago has a lot of fun things to do, but let us introduce you to what the rest of Illinois has to offer this summer.

Summer Camp 2015 Opportunity Through Your Local American Legion Post #134

American Legion Post #134 in Morton Grove offers options for summer camp 2015 for teen girls and boys!

The Best Brunch Spots Around Illinois

Warning: Do not read when hungry.

Fathers Helping Fathers Addresses Sensitive Subject for Dads of Divorce and Domestic Discord

The national non-profit organization hosts ‘Dad School’, to provide Chicago area fathers with free legal advice, and support.

Abraham Lincoln's love for cats and other little-known facts about the 16th president

Honest Abe’s 206th birthday is Feb. 12. Celebrate by learning 20 new facts about the president from Illinois.

There are a lot of things for Illinoisans to be proud of, and here's the proof!

Lest we forget just how wonderful our state is, take a look at the Illinois Wall of Fame.

How a Lost Dog from Wilmette Helped Another Find His Way Home

Hoss, who survived the polar vortex and 500 days on his own, is back home in Michigan as the search for Holly continues on the North Shore.

North Shore's Julia Collins Back on 'Jeopardy' for Tournament of Champions

Wilmette champ holds second-longest winning streak and will compete for $250,000.

First Ailing Illinoisan Learns He'll Get a Medical Marijuana License

Army vet Jim Champion has multiple sclerosis.

Monument to Pope John Paul II, Beloved in Chicago, Already Draws the Awestruck

Catholic pilgrims eager to stand in the shadow of sculptures honoring revered saints. Dedication of pope's monument is Saturday in Niles.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

Cubs Manager Renteria Visits Kids At Park Ridge Hospital

7th Grader’s Effort to Help Teacher Inspires Big Donation

Also in this week's 'Good Reads,' a local cop has 50 parrots in his home and Patch readers have a bone to pick with the post office over missing mail.

Northern Lights May Appear Thursday Night Or Friday Morning

Here's your payoff from Mother Nature for suffering through that cold snap.

This Weird Experiment Works Because It's Freezing on the North Shore

What happens when you throw boiling water into extremely cold air?

Win Tickets to See Disney On Ice

Patch and Disney on Ice will give away five family packs of four tickets each to the show of your choice. Enter to win through Jan. 20.

First 2014 Baby Arrives At 2 A.M. At Lutheran General Hospital

The newborn was six pounds, 11 ounces.

2014 Resolution: Love Your Imperfections

These animals have it all figured out.

'Seductive' Cabbie Calendar Raises Money for Lawsuit

The cabbies pose against the hoods of their cars, mostly fully dressed, to raise money for a lawsuit against the City of Chicago.

Cardinal Francis George Marks 50 Years as a Catholic Priest

Leader of the Chicago Archdiocese reflects on his life and his service to the church.

State Leaders Showcase Oakton's Tech Lab, Herald $500,000 State Grant

The money bought specialized equipment that will give students nanotechnology lab time, and prepare them for jobs expected to open in this exploding field.

Golf Mill Announces 'Festival of Trees' Winner

The winner collected the most canned food donations for the Maine Township Food Pantry. Find out who won, and what they'll receive.

Dominick's Selling Grocery, Food Items At 50% Off

Find out which items are eligible.

High School Student Teams Up with Harlem Globetrotters for Anti-Bullying Efforts

When the Harlem Globetrotters organization learned about Camille Paddock's anti-bullying crusade via a Patch article, they invited her to join them to encourage kids.

Heavy Snow Could Hit During Tonight's Commute

The snow should start in the Chicago metro area around 3 p.m.

Fog, Snow, Ice, Rain Could Hinder Early Holiday Travelers

The Chicago area will have "fair" conditions, but if your guests are coming from the east or west, they could get socked.

Drunk Student Kicks in Business' Door, Returns to Make Amends

Also, a local school's high-tech security is featured on the 'Today Show' and you can get a peek at Michael Jordan's house.

Morton Grove Charity Reeling From Tuesday Fire, Which Destroyed Building

Orchard Village, which provides homes, job training and other care for the developmentally disabled in Skokie, Morton Grove, etc., suffered a big blow.